Hawaii’s Iolani Palace was one of the first in the world to have been lit by electric power. Now that Hawaii is transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy, the state must get to its goal in an equitable and sustainable way that creates pathways for prosperity. “Innovation is in the fabric of this place,” said Shalanda Baker, associate professor of Environmental Law at the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law.

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California has extended its system to price carbon, an initiative that has inspired significant emissions cuts, after building bipartisan support. So far, the idea has sprung up in 50 jurisdictions around the world.

Four weeks into the job, Josh Stanbro, chief resilience officer of the City and County of Honolulu, discussed confronting the sustainability challenges confronting the city and Hawaii as a state and part of the world at large.”On Oahu, people recognize that there are direct and immediate threats from climate change,” said Stanbro. Forward-thinking Honolulu had recently voted to establish an office of resilience that tackles affordable housing, critical infrastructure and response to natural hazards associated with climate change and sea level rise.

A gorgeous green oasis has surfaced in one of the world’s most densely populated areas in Mongkok, Hong Kong . New World Development’s Adrian Cheng teamed up with Dutch architecture studio concrete to craft Skypark, an innovative luxury development where like-minded millennials can connect in beautiful co-living spaces. The project’s crown jewel—and the inspiration behind the development’s name—is the unique rooftop park, as well as the rooftop solar and wind turbines. Partially powered by clean energy , Skypark paves the way for local developers to take a more eco-friendly approach in construction. “Inspired by the crowded and narrow streets of Mongkok, where space is limited and people bump into each other, concrete created a place for residents to escape the chaos and for people to truly connect,” wrote the architects, which designed the residential complex with young professionals in mind. “Almost literally, by ‘breaking down the walls’ of a generic clubhouse , an open and transformable public space was made.” Garden designer Adrian L Norman created the Skypark roof garden using principles from New World Development’s Artisanal Movement concept that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and community. The sky park is distinguished by its large lawned garden, called The Lawn, that offers residents the luxury of picnicking next to stunning panoramic views. A wealth of other social spaces are available, including private nooks and an outdoor kitchen with a grill. Below the rooftop garden is The Aurora, a modern clubhouse on the 28th floor with an indoor swimming pool, poolside bar, library, and a gym. The Sky Stairs, a set of oversized steps with colorful cushions that double as seating, connect The Lawn with The Aurora. Related: A Lush Living Wall Skirts Aedas’ New Composite Building in Hong Kong The rooftop wind turbines generate electricity for some of the lighting, while solar energy is used to heat the clubhouse showers. Recycled rainwater is used for rooftop irrigation. The Skypark was completed in March 2017 and comprises mostly studio and one-bedroom apartments. + New World Development + concrete Via Dezeen Images via concrete